Artist Collaborations: Meet the Creators

October 16, 2017

We love introducing you to new artists. That’s why we have a whole team at our Home Office whose mission is to travel the globe and discover painters, ceramicists, illustrators, and other makers we know you’ll adore. Take fan-favorite Molly Hatch, for instance, whose pottery we first came across in a New York gallery. Or Lulie Wallace, whose sunny watercolors caught our eye while in Charleston, and now adorn every corner of our home.

“It’s part of Anthropologie’s DNA to work with artists and build collections with truly special details,” says senior buyer Jennifer Rome. “Each person and project is unique—our relationships push boundaries and open new doors.”

This fall, Jennifer and her team put together one of their most talented lineups yet. Get to know five of the season’s standout artists here.

Cassie ByrnesMelbourne, Australia

Print designer Cassie Byrnes spent her early years “getting into all types of mischief outdoors,” which sparked a lifelong love and appreciation for Australia’s unique landscape. “I’m lucky to be from a little corner of the world that has such diverse and weird nature,” she says. A spare room in her home serves as her studio, where a paintbrush is always within reach—and Beyoncé is always on full volume.

This fall, the vibrant patterns of The Melbourne Collectionappear on textiles and ceramics, inviting you on a sundrenched, technicolor walk through a botanical wonderland. “That’s what I love about designing for the home; you can go bold and loud.”

Few people know: When she was young, Byrnes was obsessed with the United States, and could recite all 50 states and their capitals.

Luke Edward HallLondon, UK

Illustrative artist and designer Luke Edward Hall has a home that feels like a spirited travel journal: the curiosities, textiles, and antiques all jostled about like souvenirs of adventures lived. The Imaginist Collectionis similarly whimsical—whether it’s the Jean Cocteau-inspired platter or the petal-laden pitcher, he imbues a sense of romantic nostalgia into each design. He describes his approach as “fun and irreverent with a certain eccentric Britishness,” a manifesto brought to life with his new line of dinnerware.

Daily ritual: Hall has the same routine each morning—jump out of bed, turn on the radio, fix a bath, and have a cup of tea.Dawn VachonMelbourne, Australia

When not gardening or playing with her cat, you can find ceramicist Dawn Vachon in her garage studio wedged between a pizza oven and her bicycles. She hand-builds pieces that range from functional to sculptural, but are always designed with a laser-sharp focus on craftsmanship. “Attention to detail and the ability to be critical of your own work is key,” she explains. “It’s what makes opening my little electric kiln, Beverly, so rewarding.” The simple yet vibrant designs of The Fitzroy Collectionmarries that long tradition of impeccable technique with a playful, modern spirit.

Happy moment: Vachon owns a pair of yellow socks that she wears when she wants to smile—she calls them “banana feet.”

Melanie McEvoyQueensland, Australia

The Australian outback isn’t an easy place to live, and ceramicist Melanie McEvoy would know: deadly snakes would often visit her old studio while she worked. Still, it’s an incredibly inspiring place to call home. “We have a big blue sky and red dirt, open space that goes on forever, floods, fires, and droughts. We have kangaroos and parrots and beautiful fauna,” she says. McEvoy depicts this wild, wonderful landscape in the winding florals of The Queensland Collection. “The land talks to me, and I react and document it,” she says.

Prized possession: When she was young, McEvoy found a bright ceramic canister decorated with a cartoon deer. She’s loved ceramics ever since.

Paige GemmelFlorida, USA

Illustrator Paige Gemmel’s studio is a fairytale-like cottage complete with towering redwoods and a winding gravel path. So it’s no surprise that the decorative animals posing on The Palace Portrait Collection seem to be pulled right from a classic storybook. “I always love to put a new spin on an old idea,” she says. “The most important thing when I am designing is that my work comes across as unique with interesting color combos and elements of quirkiness.” For this collection, that means noble Rajasthani elephants prancing across tasseled pillows and Imperial foo dogs smirking on statement rugs.

Night shift: Gemmel is a night owl. After her four children go to sleep, she turns on Netflix and begins painting.